System and method for calendar-based cellular smart switching

ABSTRACT

A user&#39;s access patterns are accounted for in deciding to switch between a plurality of wireless networks 204, 206. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes monitoring a location of a wireless communication device 202 within a region serviced by a first wireless communication network 204 and second region serviced by a second wireless communication network 206. The first and second region have an overlapping region which could be serviced by both networks. The future location of the wireless communication device 202 within the first and second regions is predicted based on the monitoring of the previous locations of the wireless communication device 202. When the wireless communication device 202 is detected as being within the overlapping region, the system determines whether to transfer an active connection between the wireless communication device 202 and one of the networks to the other network. In one embodiment, past patterns of usage of the wireless communication 202 device within the first and second region are identified and used to predict a future location based on the past pattern. In another embodiment, a calender of predetermined time-location associations is input into a controller 203 associated with the wireless communication device 202 and the prediction is based on an actual location and current time being compared with the values input into the calender.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to wireless communication systems and,more particularly, to an improved system and method for controllinghand-offs of calls from one wireless network to another.

2. Description of the Related Art

During a call connecting a wireless communication device, such as acellular telephone, with another telephone, the wireless communicationdevice may cross from the domain of one wireless network to anindependent wireless network. Such networks may comprise a company'sprivate cellular telephone network and the public cellular telephonenetwork, for example. Thus, to complete the call, the wirelesscommunication device must be capable of being used in both the company'sinternal wireless system and in the public system, and accommodationmust be made for controlling hand-offs from one network to the other.

Hand-off of a telephone call from the domain of the first wirelessnetwork to the domain of the second wireless network may be made via acontrol link shared between central processing units of the twonetworks. Using the control link, the two wireless networks are able tonegotiate feasibility and operations of hand-off as described, forexample, in EIA/TIA interim standard IS42.2-B, "Cellular RadioTelecommunications Intersystem Operations: Intersystem Hand-Off," whichis hereby incorporated by reference. While, ideally, hand-offs from onenetwork to another are imperceptible to the user, in practice, hand-offsfrequently introduce extraneous clicks and temporary loss of signal.

Frequently a user of the wireless communication device is required totravel from one company site to one or more other company sites, whichcan cause the wireless communication device to repeatedly switch backand forth between the public and private systems. This can causeunnecessary hand-offs, particularly since typical systems assume that aprivate wireless system, free of call charges, is preferable to a publicsystem, even though the public systems typically charge a per callaccess fee. In such systems, a hand-off is always made to the privatesystem, whether or not it is the most efficient in terms of cost orsignal quality.

This situation is illustrated more clearly with regard to FIG. 1. InFIG. 1, an exemplary two-network wireless communication system 100 isshown. A private company wireless system is installed in buildings 104,106 and 108. As illustrated, each building 104, 106, 108 is associatedwith its own cell or service area 110a, 110b, and 110c, respectively.Overlapping the private wireless system is a public wireless system 102having multiple cells, only two of which, 102a and 102b, are shown.

As illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 1, a user can travel frombuilding 104 to building 108, crossing through cell areas 110a, 102a,110b, 102b and 110c. Assuming that the user begins executing a telephonecall in building 104, the user's call will be serviced by the privatewireless network so long as he is within region 110a. As soon as theuser leaves region 110a, he will be transferred to the public wirelesscarrier (so long as he is in region 102a). As the user approaches thevicinity of building 106, he will re-enter into the service area of theprivate wireless network as represented by cell 110b. His call will thenbe transferred back to the private network. As soon as the user leavesthe area surrounding building 106, his call will be transferred from theprivate network to the public wireless network as he enters region 102b.Finally, as he approaches building 108, his call will be transferredback to the private network as enters region 110c.

By the time the user gets to building 108, he has been transferred fourtimes, each time with a momentary loss of conversation, a change insignal quality and, with every transfer to the public wireless carrier,a new charge per call. Accordingly, a system and apparatus is desiredwhich minimizes the number of unnecessary hand-offs between private andpublic wireless networks so as to minimize charges and enhance thequality of the call.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above described problems are overcome in large part by a system andmethod according to the present invention in which a user's accesspatterns are accounted for in deciding to switch between the private andpublic wireless networks. A system and method according to oneembodiment of the present invention includes monitoring a location of awireless communication device within a plurality of regions serviced bya plurality of wireless systems, e.g., a first region serviced by afirst wireless communication system and a second region serviced by asecond wireless communication system. The first and second regions havean overlapping region which could be serviced by both networks. Thesystem predicts the future location of the wireless communication devicewithin the first and second regions based on the monitoring of theprevious locations of the wireless communication device. When thewireless communication device is detected as being within theoverlapping region, the system determines whether to transfer an activeconnection between the wireless communication device and one of thenetworks to the other network based on the monitoring information.

In one embodiment, past patterns of usage of the wireless communicationdevice within the first and second regions are identified and used topredict a future location based on the past pattern. In anotherembodiment, a calender of predetermined time-location associations isinput into a controller associated with the wireless communicationdevice, and the prediction is based on an actual location and currenttime being compared with the values input into the calender.

A method according to another embodiment of the invention comprisescompiling a database of time-location associations of a wirelesscommunication device within a first region serviced by a first wirelesscommunication system and a second region serviced by a second wirelesscommunication system. The first region and second regions have apredetermined overlapping region. The method further comprises detectingwhen the wireless communication device is present within the overlappingregion during an active connection and predicting a future location ofthe wireless communication device within the first region or the secondregion during the active connection. Finally, the method comprisesdetermining whether to transfer the active connection between thewireless communication device and the first or second wirelesscommunication systems to the other when the wireless communicationdevice is detected as being within the overlapping region.

A wireless telecommunication system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention comprises a first wireless network providing serviceover a first predetermined region and comprising a first switchingoffice, and a second wireless telephone network providing service over asecond predetermined region and comprising a second switching office.The first predetermined region and the second predetermined regionoverlap in a third predetermined region. A wireless communication deviceis configured for use in both networks. The second switching officecomprises a memory unit configured to store a database of time-locationassociations related to a presence of the communication device in eitherthe first predetermined region or the second predetermined region. Thesecond switching office also includes a wireless switching control unitcoupled to the database, and configured to access the database when thecommunication device is detected within the third predetermined regionand to transfer an active call between the networks based on thetime-location associations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention is obtained when thefollowing detailed description is considered in conjunction with thefollowing drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary two network wirelesssystem and the movement of a user therein;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless network system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a wireless communicationdevice and interface between two wireless networks according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating monitoring of time and location usagepatterns; and

FIGS. 5-7 are flowcharts illustrating operation of various embodimentsof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 2--Wireless Network System

Turning now to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrating the interaction of awireless communication device 202, a stationary telephone 207, and twowireless systems 204, 206 is illustrated. The system and method of thepresent invention can be used to facilitate the interaction of one ormore wireless communication devices 202 and a plurality of wirelesssystems or networks. In FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is describedwith reference to private wireless network 204 and public wirelessnetwork 206. As used herein, "wireless communication device" refers toany wireless communication device or wireless telephone, including, forexample, pagers, cellular telephones, PCS devices, and other wirelessmessaging, voice, and data communication devices.

The system 200 includes a private wireless network 204 and a publicwireless network 206. Wireless networks 204 and 206 are exemplary ofcellular communication device networks or PCS networks of various types.Private wireless network 204 includes a wireless private branch exchange210 which provides central switching functions to a plurality of cells210a, 210b, and 210c. Each cell 210a, 210b, and 210c includes an antennafor receiving signals from a wireless communication device andassociated equipment, referred to as a base station (not shown), fortransmitting the received signals to the wireless private branchexchange 210. Wireless private branch exchange 210, in turn, is coupledto a central office 205 representative of, for example, a central officefor coupling calls to the public switched telephone network. Wirelessprivate branch exchange 210 further includes a wireless switchingcontrol unit 222 configured to record use patterns and store a databaserelating thereto according to the present invention. Wireless switchingcontrol unit 222 includes a processing unit and a memory device tofacilitate these functions, as will be described in greater detailbelow.

Public wireless network 206 includes one or more wireless communicationdevice switching offices 208 (MTSO), or PCS switching offices, whichprovide switching functions to a plurality of cells 212a and 212b. EachMTSO 208 includes a communications controller 209 for supervisingcommunications within and external to the network. Again, each cell212a, 212b includes a base station having an antenna for receivingsignals from wireless communication devices and associated equipment fortransmitting the signals to the MTSO 208. MTSO 208 is coupled to centraloffice 205 (which may be a different central office than the one towhich the private wireless network 204 is coupled).

Wireless communication device 202 is configured for use in either theprivate wireless network 204 or the public wireless network 206.Wireless communication device 202 may thus be configured to receive,transmit and process signals according to various frequencies and/orcoding standards and/or modulation formats of the varying public andprivate wireless networks. Exemplary protocols include time divisionmultiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA)protocols. Wireless communication device 202 may also include a smartswitching controller 203 configured to perform control operationsrelating to switching call connections on wireless communication device202 between private wireless network 204 or public wireless network 206,as will be discussed in greater detail below.

To make a call, the wireless communication device must be registered asa user in the respective network. This is accomplished, for instance, bythe communication device and the wireless private branch exchangeexchanging control signals. Once the registration occurs, a call fromwireless communication device 202 within private wireless network 204 istransmitted to an antenna (not shown) in a cell 210a, 210b, 210c andfrom the antenna to the wireless private branch exchange 210. Aconnection is then made from the wireless private branch exchange 210 toeither another wireless private branch exchange or to the central office205. From the central office 205, the connection is made to the publicswitched telephone network.

Similarly, prior to making a call on public cellular network 206, anexchange of control signals is performed between the wirelesscommunication device 202 and an MTSO 208 of the network. Once thisoccurs, calls via the public cellular network 206 are made from wirelesscommunication device 202 to an antenna (not shown), within therespective cell, which transmits the signal to the MTSO 208. The MTSO208 in turn provides the connection to the central office 205 whichconnects to the public switched telephone network.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, wireless switching controlunit 222 is configured to supervise the switching of calls between thetwo networks based on time-location associations.

FIG. 3--Block Diagram

Turning now to FIG. 3, a more detailed block diagram of the wirelesssystems illustrating various components of one embodiment of the presentinvention is shown. Components which are common to FIG. 2 retain thesame reference numerals.

FIG. 3A illustrates wireless communication device 202. Wirelesscommunication device 202 may include a smart switching control unit(SSC) 203 configured to supervise (in conjunction with the relevantswitching exchanges) transfers of active telephone calls from onenetwork to another, based on time-location associations, as will bediscussed in greater detail below. Smart switching control unit 203 maycomprise a variety of circuits, including microprocessor or microcontrollers, or application specific integrated circuits (ASIC).

Wireless communication device 202 further includes a wireless privatebranch exchange communications module (WPCM) 252, a connection transfermodule (CTM) 254, a PCS communications module (PCM) 256, and an RFsignal strength indicator module 213 (RSSI). Each of the various modulesmay be comprised in microprocessor or micro controller chips, or inapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs). WPCM 252 is used tosupervise communications between the telephone 202 and the wirelessprivate branch exchange 210. PCM 256 is similarly used to supervisecommunications between the wireless communication device 202 and theMTSO or PCS switch 208. CTM 254 supervises the switching of callsbetween cells within a particular network, and between the networks, aswill be described in greater detail below. RSSI 213 is used forrecognizing the need to make a transfer of a call from, for example,WPBX 210 because of signal fade, which occurs when the caller has gonepast a boundary of the region serviced by the private wireless network204.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, wireless private branch exchange 210 isillustrated. Wireless private branch exchange 210 includes a callmanagement module (CMM) 223, an RF communications module (RFCM) 225, anda wireless switching control unit (WSC) 222. CMM 223 is used formanaging the various telephony functions or services associated with thecall, such as call transfer, conference call, and the like. RFCM 225includes an RF transceiver (not shown) and supervises the registrationand call set-up of the wireless communication device, as well as thehandover or hand-off from one cell to another, and to other networks.WSC 222 is used to supervise the inter-network switching managementfunctions based on time-location associations according to the presentinvention. More particularly, WSC 222 includes a processor or othercontrol unit 231 and a memory 233 for storing a database of informationwhich is used to predict a user's patterns of usage. In one embodiment,the database comprises a record of past usages monitored by theprocessor 231 of the WSC 222. In another embodiment, the databasecomprises a user-input calendar of future time-location associations.The processor 231 aboard WSC 222 further monitors the location of thewireless communication device 202 when a call is made or received. Theprocessor 231 accesses the database 233 and predicts a future locationof the wireless communication device 202 to determine whether to switchfrom one network to another. It is noted that, while illustrated as adiscrete unit, WSC 222 can be comprised within RFCM, or as a unitexternal to the WPBX 210. Thus, FIG. 3 is exemplary only. In addition,it is noted that, while the system preferably operates according tosoftware, hardware implementations are contemplated.

A description of the operation of the RSSI 213 is deemed appropriate.When the wireless communication device's RSSI 213 detects that signalstrength has fallen below a predetermined threshold, RSSI 213communicates with the WPCM 252 to cause the WPCM 252 to attempt to makea handover to another antenna (i.e., within an adjacent cell) having asuitably strong signal. If the WPCM 252 cannot make a handover to anantenna within the private wireless network 204, it sends a signal toCTM 254. In response, CTM 254 transmits a signal to PCM 256 to attemptto find another system to which it can transfer the connection.

PCM 256 includes controls and apparatus for registering the wirelesscommunication device as a valid user of the public wireless network 206."Registration" refers to a method of verifying that the wirelesscommunication device handset can communicate with a wireless network.This is accomplished with respect to public wireless network 206 by thewireless communication device 202 exchanging radio signals with thepublic wireless network 206 which are designed to establish status as avalid user. The exchange of radio signals takes place in accordance withprotocols which are well known to those of skill in the art, forexample, according to EIA/TIA interim standard "IS-54B Cellular SystemDual Mode Mobile Station--Base Station Compatibility Standard." If theregistration is successful, PCM 256 sends a signal indicating thatcondition to CTM 254. CTM 254 in turn provides the connection (i.e.,transfers the call between the networks).

According to the present invention, call transfers are made based on thetime-location associations independent of the signal strengthdetermination. Call transfers based on the time-location associationsare similar to call transfers based on the signal strengthdetermination. When the wireless communication device 202 enters withinrange of both networks, and a call is in progress, the processor 231 ofthe WSC 222 identifies whether the user will be repeatedly entering andexiting the region serviced by, for example, the private wirelessnetwork. This identification occurs through the processor 231 of the WSC222 accessing a database in memory 233 in which user time-locationassociations are stored. In one embodiment, the time-locationassociations comprise a record based on the processor 231 monitoring thepast usage of the wireless communication device 202. The locations cancomprise, for example, the individual cells of the network. Timeassociations can be either based on duration within the cell andtime-of-day associations, where applicable. In another embodiment, thedatabase time-location associations comprise a calendar manually inputby the user of his or her predicted schedule. In still anotherembodiment, the database comprises a combination of a user-inputcalendar and the monitored record.

Assume, for example, that a call is in progress on the public cellularnetwork 206, and the user enters a region serviced by the privatenetwork 204. The WPBX 222 learns of the presence of the wirelesscommunication device, for example, via a signal from the wirelesscommunication device 202, i.e., from the exchange of control signalsdescribed above. If, after accessing the database in memory 233, theprocessor 231 of WSC 222 determines that the user will not, in fact, berepeatedly entering and exiting the region serviced by the privatenetwork, the WSC 222 signals the SSC 203 of the wireless communicationdevice 202. The wireless communication device 202 allows the CTM 254 toeffectuate a transfer from the public wireless network to the privatewireless network. The PCM 256 informs the MTSO 208 of the public network206 to release the call, and it is switched to the private network 204.It is noted that while supervision of this functionality on the wirelesscommunication device end has been described with regard to the SSC 203,this functionality may be incorporated into the various other modules ofthe wireless communication device. It is similarly noted that while RSSI213 and SSC 203 are illustrated as discrete units, in alternativeembodiments, they may be integrated into a single unit.

If the processor 231 of the WSC 222 determines that the user will berepeatedly entering and exiting the region serviced by the privatenetwork, the WSC 222 either does nothing, or provides a control signalindicating that the wireless communication device is to continue beingserviced by the public wireless network.

In another embodiment, the time-location associations comprise a recordof cells and transit patterns relating to durations of time required tocross through the cells. The stored transit patterns may result frommonitoring past usages, as described above, or a calendar input by theuser, again, as described above. Thus, if a user has an activeconnection in the public network, and enters and remains within a cellof the private network for longer than a predetermined period, thesystem will switch to the private network. If the user stays within thecell for less than the predetermined period, however, the connectionwill remain with the public network.

For example, if the user has an active connection on the public network,his or her entry into a cell serviced by the private network will bedetected, such as by the above-described registration process. Theprocessor 231 accesses the database of time-location associations, whichinclude a record of how long it takes to transit through the cell. Ifthe user remains within the cell for longer than the determined period,the call connection will be transferred, as described above.

FIG. 4--Flowchart of One Embodiment of Processor Monitoring

Turning now to FIG. 4, a flowchart illustrating the monitoring operationaccording to one embodiment of the invention is shown. Initially, a callinvolving wireless communication device 202 is detected (Step 450) andprocessed, for example, by the wireless private branch exchange 210. Thecall may be either a received call or one initiated by the wirelesscommunication device 202. As discussed above, call processing includesthe exchange of various control signals between the telephone's WPCM 252and the wireless private branch exchange's CMM 223 and RFCM 225.

The processor 231 detects the servicing of the call and determines thetime of the call (Step 452). In addition, the processor 231 determinesthe location of the wireless communication device 202 (Step 454) at thetime of servicing the call. This may comprise, for example, theprocessor 231 monitoring present cell location and cell switchingoperations as controlled from the wireless private branch exchange.Alternatively, SSC 203 may provide control time-location informationdirectly to the wireless private branch exchange. The processor 231 thenstores the times and locations in memory 233, and later compiles it intoa usable database (Step 456). It is noted that, in one embodiment, themonitoring of the wireless communication device's (and hence user's)location, may be disabled. It is similarly noted that, in an alternateembodiment, constant monitoring of the wireless communication device'slocation (even when there is no active call), for example, by the SSC203 (or other functional modules of the wireless communication device)registering within each cell, or providing information within a globalpositioning system (GPS), is contemplated. Finally, the monitoring ofthe usage patterns may further comprise monitoring the duration of timethe user spends within a cell.

FIG. 5--Flowchart of Operation of One Embodiment of the PresentInvention

Turning now to FIG. 5, a flowchart illustrating operation of anembodiment of the present invention is shown. Time-location associationsof the wireless communication device are stored and compiled by theprocessor 231 as a database in the memory device 233 coupled to orwithin WSC 222 (step 302). For example, the location of the wirelesscommunication device within the public network or the private networkmay be monitored by the processor 231 over time. The usage patterns ofthe wireless communication device (i.e., whether the wirelesscommunication device is activated and registered as a user in aparticular cell of one or the other of the networks) are monitored.Alternatively, and to provide a more accurate record of the user'sactual schedule, so long as the wireless communication device is ON, theSSC 203 may be configured to provide a signal to the WSC 222 identifyingthe user's location within particular cells. The usage patterns mayfurther comprise a record of the user's duration of time within aparticular cell (i.e., how long it takes the user to transit through acell).

Next, when the user initiates an active connection on the wirelesscommunication device, the system detects the location of the devicemaking the call (step 304). In addition to being used to manage thecall, this information is used in order to determine whether thedevice's presence within a region serviced by the private network or thepublic network is transitory (i.e., whether the user will be repeatedlyentering and re-entering one or the other of the networks). Theprocessor 231 in the WSC 222 accesses its database and predicts what theuser's usage is likely to be (Step 306). As noted above, this maycomprise determining how long it should take for the user to transitthrough the particular cell.

Based on the present time and user location, and the result of theaccessed time-location associations from the database, the processor 231determines whether to transfer the call (Step 308). This may comprise,for example, the processor 231 waiting a predetermined period for theuser to transit a cell. Finally, if the processor 231 determines that atransfer is necessary, the appropriate control signals are issued whicheffectuate the transfer from the one network to another (Step 310). Forexample, if the call is presently being serviced by the public network,and a determination is made to transfer the call, the WSC 222 sends asignal to the WPCM 252 (for example), which in turn, signals the CTM 254to initiate a transfer from the public network 206.

It is noted that the system preferably continually updates the database.Thus, a user's usage patterns that are inconsistent with the previouslystored and compiled database record are periodically incorporated intoan updated database, to more optimally predict a future location.

FIG. 6--Flowchart of Alternate Embodiment

Turning now to FIG. 6, a flowchart illustrating operation of analternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. In theillustrated embodiment, rather than monitoring past usage patterns, thesystem allows the user to input his schedule, according to time andlocation (Step 350). This may further comprise the user enteringestimates of his or her transit times through particular cells. Thus,the user determines what his schedule is likely to be during, forexample, the coming week. He or she then records this information, forexample, on a computer diskette, and uploads the information to the WPBX210. Alternatively, provision may be made for the user to input thisinformation directly from the wireless communication device 202. The WSC222 stores the information within the memory 233 and compiles adatabase.

Once the database has been compiled, the system is ready for use. Next,when the user initiates an active connection on the wirelesscommunication device, the system (preferably processor 231) detects thelocation of the device making the call (step 352). In addition to beingused to manage the call, this information is used in order to determinewhether the device's presence within a region serviced by the privatenetwork or the public network is transitory (i.e., whether the user willbe repeatedly entering and re-entering a region serviced by one or theother of the networks). The processor 231 of WSC 222 accesses its memory233 for the database (Step 354) and determines whether to transfer thecall, by predicting what the user's future usage pattern is likely to be(Step 356). This may comprise waiting a predetermined period for theuser to exit the cell. Finally, depending upon the outcome if thedetermination in Step 356, the call is transferred (Step 356).

For example, if the call is presently being serviced by the publicnetwork, and a determination is made to transfer the call, the WSC 222sends a signal to the WPCM 252 (for example), which in turn, signals theCTM 254 to initiate a transfer from the public network 206. It is notedthat the calendar operation described with regard to this embodiment mayalso be incorporated into the embodiment described above with respect toFIG. 5. Thus, for example, both the user's schedule and his actualaccess patterns may be used to determine whether a call should betransferred from one network to the other.

FIG. 7--Flowchart of Exemplary Operation of Present Invention

Turning now to FIG. 7, a flowchart 400 illustrating an exemplaryoperation of the present invention is shown. Flowchart 400 illustratesthe call processing procedure for a user traveling as illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, the user initiates a call within building 104serviced by cell 110a of the private wireless network 204. The call isrouted to the wireless private branch exchange 210 connected to acentral office 205 of the public switched telephone network (step 402).As illustrated by the dashed line, the user exits building 104 andleaves the area 110a serviced by the private wireless network 204 (step404). The RSSI 213 detects a signal fade and requests a transfer to thepublic wireless network 206. The connection to the public network isexecuted as described above (step 406). The user continues on and enterscell 110b (near building 106), which is serviced by both the publicnetwork 206 and the private network 204. Upon the user's entry into thearea 110b, the system determines whether or not the user's presencewithin the area 110b is relatively permanent (i.e., whether the user islikely to be remaining within the building for longer than apredetermined period) (step 410). As described above, this determinationis based on the WSC 222 accessing its database and providing appropriatecontrols signals responsive thereto.

If the user's presence is only transitory, the system will continue thecall via the MTSO of the public network (step 412). If the user'spresence within area 110b is determined to be relatively permanent,however, the call will be transferred to the private network to beserviced through the wireless private branch exchange 210 (step 416). Ifthe user then leaves building 106 and enters the area serviced by cell102b of the public network (step 418), the call will be transferred tothe MTSO 208 of the public network (step 422).

If, in step 412, the user continues into cell 102b, serviced by thepublic wireless network (step 420), the call continues to be serviced bythe public network (step 424). The user in either case continues on intoarea 110c, serviced by the private wireless network (step 426). Again, adetermination is made whether or not the user's presence is relativelypermanent or transitory (step 428). If the user's presence is determinedto be only transitory (i.e., less than a predetermined period), then thecall continues to be processed by the public wireless network (step430). If, however, the user's presence is determined to be relativelypermanent, then the call is processed by the private network (step 432).

The invention described in the above detailed description is notintended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on thecontrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as can reasonably be included within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. For example, while illustrated with respect to aprivate wireless network and a public wireless network, the invention isequally applicable to more than one public network.

We claim:
 1. A method for controlling the hand-off of a wirelesscommunication device between a first wireless communication network anda second wireless communication network, comprising:compiling a databaseof past time-location associations of said wireless communication devicewithin a first region serviced by said first wireless communicationnetwork and a second region serviced by said second wirelesscommunication network, wherein said first region and said second regionhave a predetermined overlapping region; detecting when said wirelesscommunication device is located within said predetermined overlappingregion during an active connection; predicting, responsive to saiddetecting, a future location of said wireless communication devicewithin said first region or said second region during said activeconnection, wherein said predicting uses said database of pasttime-location associations; transferring, based on a result of saidpredicting, said active connection between said one of said first orsecond wireless communication networks to the other of said first orsecond wireless communication networks when said wireless communicationdevice is detected as being within said predetermined overlappingregion.
 2. The method of claim 1, comprising monitoring past patterns ofusage of said wireless communication device in said first region or saidsecond region prior to said compiling.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinsaid monitoring comprises detecting an active connection between saidwireless communication device and a switching office of one of saidfirst and second wireless communication networks.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein said monitoring further comprises determining a time of amaking of said active connection.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein saidmonitoring comprises determining a location of said wirelesscommunication device during said making of said active connection. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising storing a calendar ofpredetermined times and locations of said wireless communication devicein said first region or said second region prior to said compiling saiddatabase.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing acalendar of predetermined time-location associations of said wirelesscommunication device in said first region or said second region prior tosaid compiling said database.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein saidpredicting comprises comparing an actual location and current time withsaid time-location associations.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein saidpredicting comprises comparing an actual location and time with saidtime-location associations stored in said database.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said predicting comprises determining whether saidwireless communication device is likely to repeatedly be in transitbetween said first region and said second region.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said transferring comprises transferring said activeconnection responsive to determining that said wireless communicationdevice is not likely to repeatedly be in transit between said firstregion and said second region.
 12. A wireless telecommunication system,comprising:a first wireless network providing service over a firstpredetermined region and comprising a first switching office; a secondwireless network providing service over a second predetermined regionand comprising a second switching office, wherein said firstpredetermined region and said second predetermined region overlap in athird predetermined region; and wherein said second switching officecomprises:a memory unit configured to store a database of pasttime-location associations related to a past presence of said wirelesscommunication device in either said first predetermined region or saidsecond predetermined region; and a wireless switching control unitcoupled to said database, and configured to access said database whensaid wireless communication device is detected within said thirdpredetermined region and to transfer an active call between said firstor second wireless networks based on said past time-locationassociations.
 13. The wireless telecommunication system of claim 12,wherein said database comprises a calendar of a schedule oftime-locations associations of a user of said wireless communicationdevice.
 14. The wireless telecommunication system of claim 13, whereinsaid first wireless network communicates over a first wireless protocol,and said second wireless network communicates via a second wirelessprotocol.
 15. The wireless telecommunication system of claim 14, whereinsaid second wireless network is a private telecommunication system. 16.The wireless telecommunication system of claim 12, wherein said databasecomprises a calendar of a schedule of a user of said wirelesscommunication device and a record of past time-location associationsrelated to past usages of said wireless communication device.
 17. Thewireless telecommunication system of claim 16, wherein said firstwireless network is a public telecommunication system.
 18. The wirelesstelecommunication system of claim 12, wherein said wirelesscommunication device includes a smart switching controller configured totransmit a location of said wireless communication device to saidwireless switching control unit.
 19. The wireless telecommunicationsystem of claim 12, wherein said wireless communication device comprisesa first transceiver configured to communicate over said first wirelessnetwork and a second transceiver configured to communicate on saidsecond wireless network.
 20. A method for controlling the interface of awireless communication device handset between and a first wirelesscommunication network and a second wireless communication network,comprising:monitoring a location of said wireless communication devicehandset within a first region serviced by said first wirelesscommunication network and a second region serviced by said secondwireless communication network, wherein said first region and saidsecond region have a predetermined overlapping region; identifying,responsive to said monitoring, past patterns of usage of said wirelesscommunication device handset within said first region or said secondregion; predicting, based on said past patterns of usage, a futurepattern of usage of said wireless communication device handset withinsaid first region or said second region; and determining, responsive tosaid predicting, whether to transfer an active connection between saidwireless communication device handset and one of said first or secondwireless communication networks to the other of said first or secondwireless communication networks when said wireless communication devicehandset is located within said predetermined overlapping region.